6 Things We Learned from Ernie Ball String Theory with Orianthi

Ernie Ball String Theory is a web series that explores the sonic origins of some of music’s most innovative guitar players. In this episode, we speak with Orianthi about her spiritual relationship with music and the healing element it provides that drives her passion. Find out the top six things we learned below…

1. An Outlet For Expression

O: “Holding a guitar gave me a lot of confidence and it made me feel like I could express myself a certain way. And when you find your own fingerprint, right, after listening to tons of records and then you step away from, and just sit with a guitar by yourself, you kind of feel like you find your own sound, and then you’re able to express yourself that way.”

2. Three Chord Journey

O: “When I first picked up the guitar, my dad taught me three cords, right? So it was A, E, and D. And you can write so many songs with those chord progressions, and so I would just start writing songs. It was kind of a journey of just discovering where I wanted to go with a guitar.”

3. Obsessed With Progress

O: “And I just was obsessed with the guitar. Locked myself away in my room for about six or seven hours, maybe more. I would actually purposely get in trouble so I’d get sent into my room so I could just play my guitar for longer. I would do things that were just not right. So go to your room. I’m like, perfect, great.”

4. A Natural Calling

O: “I felt that [playing music] was my calling. And so I did some homeschooling but dropped out of school because of the hours. You’re playing until two or 3:00 AM pretending I was older than what I was. That’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And I knew it, I knew that was my calling.”

5. Never Complete

O: “I don’t think I’ve made my best record yet. I don’t think I will until I’m 80 and I’m about to die. So I feel like I could always do better. I could always be a better guitar player, a better writer, a better singer, and a performer. And I’m obsessed with that.”

6. Comfort In Music

O: “Music has brought me such comfort and it’s something that is really magical. It’s one of the most powerful forms of magic. Empowering people and inspiring people… that’s what music’s about. And bringing people together with no divide. That’s it for me.”

Strings

Orianthi gets his signature sound using Ernie Ball Super Slinky electric guitar strings.

String Theory

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